“The team confirmed on Friday (in Malaysia) that the FIA would have permitted a driver change.”

However, Hulkenberg would have had to start the race in Gutierrez’s car from the pitlane.

And team boss Monisha Kaltenborn insisted: “It was not an option for us.”

But Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport said the situation raises a fascinating question.

“What would Red Bull or Ferrari do in the same situation, if the world title was at stake? Would Mark Webber or Felipe Massa give up their cars to the team captains?” wondered correspondent Michael Schmidt.